How to treat congenital muscular torticollis?

Congenital muscular torticollis is a common clinical disease, which is more common in newborn infants. Many reasons may cause congenital muscular torticollis, especially the unexpected situations encountered by the mother during delivery is also one of the important factors causing congenital muscular torticollis. There are many clinical treatments for congenital muscular torticollis, mainly conservative treatment. So how can congenital muscular torticollis be treated?

1. Treatment principles

The earlier this disease is treated, the better the effect. Conservative treatment is used in infancy, and most cases have satisfactory results. After 1 year of age, surgical treatment is used if nonsurgical treatment is ineffective. It is generally believed that facial deformities are difficult to completely return to normal after the age of 3.

2. People who are suitable for conservative treatment

It is suitable for infants after birth and under six months old. Conservative treatment should be actively adopted to promote early absorption of hematoma and prevent muscle fiber contracture.

3. Manual massage:

You can first have a massage in the hospital. After the patient and parents have mastered the key points of the technique, they can massage at home by themselves, which is convenient and easy to stick to. The method is to use your fingers to gently twist and smooth the contracted sternocleidomastoid muscle, kneading and twisting, for 15 minutes each time, 2 to 3 times a day, with gentle movements. The mildly contracted sternocleidomastoid muscle can be gradually stretched and the head and neck posture can return to normal.

4.Sandbag fixation:

Let the baby lie on his back in bed, with his face facing the affected side and his pillow facing the healthy side. Use a sandbag (or rice bag) to secure the baby and keep his head in the above position.

5. Local massage:

Apply talcum powder and massage the lump repeatedly with your thumb or index finger to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, disperse nodules, relieve spasms, promote absorption of the lump and achieve the treatment goal.

6. Pulling:

Continue to pull the head toward the healthy side, about 30 to 50 times a day, which can be done in several sessions. When doing this, the child should be laid flat on the bed. The parents should hold his head with both hands and turn his lower jaw toward the shoulder on the affected side (i.e. the lump on the neck). After turning, pause for about 1 minute to allow the muscles to be stretched. The technique should be gentle and avoid using violence.

7. Postural therapy:

Relatives or nannies should choose their positions during feeding and sleeping according to the different locations of the lesions. For example, if your child has torticollis on the right side, you should place the child on your left side when feeding and sleeping, and vice versa.